Magdalena Bay
September 30, 2025
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC
On Tuesday, September 30th, alternative pop duo Magdalena Bay brought their Imaginal Mystery Tour to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. The band is touring in support of their newest record, Imaginal Disk (2024), which centers on building a genuine connection with listeners in the modern era, reflected in both its sound and its visuals, including the CD depicted on the cover art. A sold-out crowd filled the venue to take in the new album, with some fans even donning blue face paint to match lead vocalist Mica Tenenbaum.
Formed in 2016, Florida-born and now Los Angeles–based Magdalena Bay is led by vocalist Mica Tenenbaum and guitarist Matthew Lewin. The duo brought their high school partnership to the stage with support from their touring musicians, Nick Villa (drums) and Myles Sweeney (keyboards). Their discography spans two studio albums, three EPs, and a trilogy of mixtapes titled Mini Mixes.
As the lights dimmed, fans cheered as the band took to the stage. The stage design was extravagant, mirroring the aesthetic of their latest record—rooted in a ’90s early-internet vibe with bold primary colours and checkerboard landscapes. The stage featured a mirror, rock formations, an antique chair, a window, and a balcony that Tenenbaum occasionally climbed atop during the performance.
The show wasn’t just a display of technical skill—it was pure theatrical fun. Tenenbaum swapped outfits on the fly, was briefly ‘kidnapped’ by a star-shaped mascot, and returned wearing a flower crown. She later dazzled in a planet-covered jumpsuit and angel wings. Fans couldn’t take their eyes off the stage as the vocalist pranced around, keeping everyone guessing what would happen next.
The band powered through a 25-song set, performing every track from Imaginal Disk while mixing in fan favourites from their debut album Mercurial World, including ‘Top Dog,’ ‘Secrets (Your Fire),’ ‘You Lose!’ and ‘Chaeri.’ The band also premiered a brand new unreleased song titled ‘Paint Me A Picture’. Fans are speculating whether the single is connected to a deluxe edition of Imaginal Disk or an entirely new project.
Magdalena Bay balanced the eerie edge of 21st-century pop with slower, intimate moments, cutting through a riot of colour and sound. The duo’s passion for their music and live shows was undeniable. Tenenbaum’s soaring vocals and Lewin’s sharp guitar work elevated the performance beyond the studio recordings. Their focus on creating a full, immersive experience made the album feel fresh and alive in an entirely new way.
